If NFL preseason history has taught us anything, it is this: Preseason performances are not a good indicator of what the regular season holds. We have seen teams go 0-4 in preseason and win a Super Bowl. Teams have also had stellar preseasons only to be followed by an abysmal season.

Wins and losses may mean nothing, but individual performances mean something. When you see a seasoned veteran look as lost and inept as Kyle Orton looks, it is more than a little unsettling.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – There’s no pleasant way to describe this preseason stinker for Kyle Orton. He was awful in the loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Dallas Cowboys gave Orton a three-year, $10.5 million deal last year because they wanted an experienced, savvy veteran backup for Tony Romo. He looked like a rookie while being intercepted twice on eight attempts Saturday.

“He’s typically pretty clean with the ball,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He has a good understanding of our offense. Those are two bad decisions, though.”

Yeah. Two bad decisions.

Orton has a mediocre NFL arm, a history of questionable decisions and a lot of Jerry Jones’ money. What he does not have is the ability to be the kind of quality backup Jason Garrett once was. Granted, the backup QB situation on most NFL teams is tenuous, at best. Heck, the starting job is sketchy in more NFL cities than not.

There may not be many options out there better than Orton.

If that is the case, the offensive line better play lights out and keep Tony Romo upright. Otherwise, this team is headed for another season of bitter disappointments, fingers-pointing, and what-ifs.